Congress-VBA Joint March in Nagpur Escalates Political Pressure Over Epstein Files Allegations
A significant joint political demonstration unfolded in Nagpur on Monday as the Congress party and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) organized a coordinated march, dramatically intensifying pressure on the ruling establishment. The protest, led by state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal and VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar, specifically demanded that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) seek Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation. This demand stems from allegations of an indirect reference to Modi appearing in the controversial 'Epstein Files' documents released by the United States Department of Justice earlier this year.
March Route and Police Intervention
The protest march commenced at Samvidhan Square, with thousands of party workers and supporters gathering in a show of strength. The procession aimed to proceed towards the RSS headquarters located in the Mahal area, symbolically targeting the ideological parent organization of the ruling BJP. However, police authorities intervened, stopping the march at Morris College T-point. Despite these restrictions and the denial of official permission, a substantial crowd assembled near the site, vociferously raising slogans against Prime Minister Modi and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Serious Allegations and International Comparisons
Addressing the gathered protesters, Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal characterized the alleged mention of the Prime Minister in the Epstein documents as an "extremely serious" matter. He drew sharp international parallels, stating, "Across the globe, individuals whose names have surfaced in the Epstein files have resigned from their positions, and some have even faced arrest." Sapkal argued that since Modi has publicly acknowledged the foundational role of the RSS in his political journey, the Sangh, which frequently emphasizes culture and morality, has a duty to demand his resignation.
Sapkal further alleged that the Prime Minister had "bowed before the United States" in the wake of the controversy, suggesting a connection to subsequent trade decisions. He strongly criticized the state administration for denying permission for the peaceful march, labeling it a blatant attempt to suppress constitutional dissent. "Exercising our right to take out a march is a fundamental constitutional right," he asserted, accusing the state leadership of weaponizing the police force to obstruct democratic protest.
Questions on Leadership and Accountability
The Congress leader also pointedly questioned the absence of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who was reportedly in Delhi during the protest. "When our delegation arrived seeking dialogue, why was the meeting deliberately avoided?" Sapkal asked, highlighting concerns over transparency. He expressed deep worry over the Prime Minister's continued silence on the Epstein issue and broader international matters, framing it as a significant lapse in governmental accountability.
Expanding his critique, Sapkal raised questions about the handling of the controversial case involving godman Ashok Kharat by the BJP-led Mahayuti government. He questioned how the alleged activities could persist for several years while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held the home portfolio. Additionally, he dismissed the resignation of women's commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar as lacking "genuine moral accountability."
VBA Chief Echoes Concerns, Highlights Political Unity
VBA leader Prakash Ambedkar strongly echoed the concerns, alleging that the Central government was functioning under considerable external pressure. "If a nation like Canada demonstrates the courage to not fear US threats, why is Prime Minister Modi appearing to do so?" he questioned. Ambedkar issued a direct demand to the RSS chief, urging him to seek a comprehensive explanation from the Prime Minister within a strict fifteen-day deadline. He also claimed that recent national tariff policies reflected unequal trade terms that were ultimately detrimental to India's economic interests.
In a significant political statement, Ambedkar emphasized that despite longstanding ideological differences, the Congress and the VBA had united on this critical issue "to protect the nation, safeguard the Constitution, and uphold democracy." This collaboration signals a potential broader political alignment and a consolidated opposition front against the ruling dispensation on matters of national integrity and transparency. The government has consistently rejected all allegations linked to the Epstein Files as entirely baseless and without merit.
